'He will always be there in my team' - Irfan Pathan urges India to include key player for Asia Cup 2025 final

Published - 27 Sept 2025, 14:02 IST | Updated - 27 Sept 2025, 14:02 IST

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has urged the Indian cricket team management to play Arshdeep Singh in the final of Asia Cup 2025. Arshdeep's remarkable Super Over was the reason India edged Sri Lanka in a thrilling Super Four contest in Dubai.

Irfan reiterated his opinion and mentioned that Arshdeep is the most ideal bowler for when the team needs to nail yorkers from both ends to keep the opposition batters in check. He also remarked that he would have always selected Arshdeep in the T20I squad had he been a part of the think tank.

“I’ve been saying this from day one — it’s not just about today. He should always be in the playing XI, because there are situations when you need yorkers from both ends. You saw it yourself today — the match went right down to the wire. In my team, Arshdeep will always be there. And I’ve been saying this from the very first day,” stated Irfan while speaking to the broadcasters after the match.

Irfan listed down Arshdeep's attributes which make him ready for the final. He even likened Arshdeep's yorker-bowling skills at the same level as that of Bumrah.

“Look, first of all, he’s as cool as ice, mate. Under pressure, he asks for the ball. He bowls when it matters, and whenever it’s the last over, he nails the yorkers. He’s ready. Shoulder to shoulder with Bumrah, he delivers those yorkers. I think he’s a bowler of that quality,” he added.

India are scheduled to take on Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the final of the continental tournament on Sunday, September 28. They extended their unbeaten streak by getting the better of the Lankans in the final Super Fours fixture.

No one but Arshdeep for that Super Over: Suryakumar Yadav

Arshdeep's Super Over brilliance won it for the Men in Blue, as he was assigned to bowl the crucial set despite conceding 46 runs in his allotted four-over quota previously. Arshdeep conceded only two runs and picked up as many wickets to set up a thrilling victory for India.